Easy Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe Perfect for Holidays

Looking for a show-stopping holiday dessert? Our cranberry poke cake recipe is perfect! It combines tart cranberries with a moist vanilla cake and creamy frosting. It’s a crowd-pleaser for Christmas gatherings and potlucks.

The vibrant red cranberry filling peeking through the cake layers creates a stunning visual effect. Plus, the sweet and tangy flavors will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to impress your guests with this easy-to-make, delicious holiday dessert that captures the spirit of the season.

Why This Festive Cranberry Dessert Will Become Your Holiday Favorite

Get ready to fall in love with a new holiday tradition! This cranberry poke cake is set to steal the spotlight at your festive gatherings. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart Flavors

The magic of this cake lies in its irresistible taste. The tangy cranberries cut through the sweetness of the cake, creating a flavor explosion. It’s a refreshing twist on traditional christmas baking that will wake up your taste buds.

Make-Ahead Convenience for Holiday Gatherings

Holiday prep can be stressful, but this cake has got you covered. You can make it a day or two in advance, letting the flavors meld and saving you precious time. It’s one of those cranberry desserts that actually tastes better the next day!

Crowd-Pleasing Holiday Centerpiece

This poke cake isn’t just delicious – it’s a showstopper. With its vibrant red cranberry filling and snowy white frosting, it fits right in with your holiday decor. It’s one of those festive cakes that not only tastes great but looks stunning on your holiday table.

From its balanced flavors to its make-ahead convenience and eye-catching appearance, this cranberry poke cake is destined to become your new go-to for holiday desserts. Get ready to start a delicious new tradition!

Essential Ingredients and Kitchen Tools

Making a tasty cranberry poke cake is simple. It mixes the ease of easy cake recipes with the tangy sweetness of fruit cake recipes. Let’s look at the main ingredients and tools you need to make this festive dessert.

For the cake base, you’ll need these basics:

• All-purpose flour
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Eggs
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

The cranberries are the main attraction in this fruit cake recipe. Use fresh or frozen berries for extra flavor. You’ll also need:

• Cranberry sauce or jelly
• Heavy cream
• Powdered sugar

Here are the essential kitchen tools:

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

With these ingredients and tools, you’re set to make a delicious cranberry poke cake. This recipe shows that easy cake recipes can be both impressive and tasty.

“The secret to a great poke cake is in the balance of flavors and textures. Don’t be afraid to experiment!”

Recipe card

Get ready to impress your guests with this Cranberry Poke Cake recipe. It’s perfect for holiday parties, blending poke cake recipes with Christmas flavors. Here’s what you need to make this amazing dessert.

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Electric mixer
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls

Ingredients

• 1 box white cake mix
• 3 eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 package vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups milk
• 1 container whipped topping

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease the baking pan.
2. Mix cake mix, eggs, oil, and water. Pour into pan and bake for 30 minutes.
3. Cook cranberries with sugar until they pop. Let cool.
4. Poke holes in cooled cake. Pour cranberry mixture over.
5. Prepare pudding with milk. Spread over cake.
6. Top with whipped topping and chill for 4 hours.

This Cranberry Poke Cake is a mix of easy poke cake recipes and festive Christmas treats. The tart cranberries and sweet cake with creamy topping make it a holiday hit.

Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions

This cranberry poke cake recipe is super easy to make. Just follow these simple steps to create a tasty dessert for any event.

Preparing the Cake Base

Begin by baking a vanilla cake. You can use a box mix or make it from scratch. Pour the batter into a 9×13 inch pan and bake as instructed. Let it cool completely before moving on.

Creating the Cranberry Filling

In a saucepan, mix fresh cranberries, sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Strain the sauce to remove solids and let it cool a bit.

Poking and Filling Technique

Use a wooden spoon handle to poke holes all over the cooled cake. Pour the cranberry filling over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes. Refrigerate for at least an hour to let the filling set.

Frosting and Decoration Tips

Top the cake with whipped cream or cream cheese frosting. Add a festive touch by sprinkling dried cranberries or white chocolate chips on top. This cranberry poke cake recipe is a holiday hit!

“This cake is a showstopper at every gathering. The tart cranberries perfectly balance the sweet cake and creamy frosting.”

Storage Tips and Make-Ahead Options

Cranberry poke cake is perfect for the holiday season. It’s great for busy times or potluck desserts. Let’s look at how to store and serve this tasty treat.

Keeping It Fresh

Keep your cranberry poke cake fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays good for up to 5 days. For the best taste, add the frosting just before serving to avoid it getting soggy.

Freezing for Later

You can freeze this cake for later. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Then, put it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.

Serving Suggestions

For the best taste, take the cake out of the fridge 30 minutes before serving. This lets it warm up a bit, bringing out the flavors. Add fresh cranberries or powdered sugar for a festive look.

“I always make my cranberry poke cake a day ahead for holiday gatherings. It’s a time-saver and tastes even better the next day!”

Cranberry poke cake is a hit at holiday parties. Its make-ahead feature and delicious taste make it a favorite for potluck desserts. With the right storage, you can enjoy it all holiday season.

Recipe Variations and Customization Ideas

Want to make this cranberry dessert your own? Try these exciting twists on the classic recipe. Create festive cakes that’ll impress your guests. Swap the vanilla cake base with chocolate or lemon flavored cake mix. This simple change adds a whole new dimension to the dessert’s taste.

For a grown-up version, add a splash of orange liqueur to the cranberry filling. This gives your poke cake a sophisticated edge perfect for adult holiday gatherings. If you’re looking for a lighter option, replace the whipped cream topping with a tangy Greek yogurt frosting.

• Sprinkle crushed pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch
• Drizzle white chocolate over the frosting for extra decadence
• Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes from the finished cake

For a stunning presentation, try making individual servings in clear glasses. Layer the cake, filling, and topping to create a beautiful trifle-like dessert. This method allows guests to see all the delicious layers of your cranberry poke cake.

“I love experimenting with different flavors in my cranberry desserts. The possibilities are endless!” – Sarah, home baker

Remember, the key to great festive cakes is creativity. Don’t be afraid to mix and match flavors and textures to create your perfect holiday dessert.

Conclusion

The Cranberry Poke Cake is a wonderful addition to your Christmas baking. It has a sweet and tart taste, perfect for holiday parties. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, so you can enjoy your celebration without stress.

This cake’s bright red color and soft texture make it a hit at any holiday table. You can also change it up to fit your family’s preferences. Whether you keep it traditional or try something new, it’s sure to wow your guests.

Think about adding this easy and loved dessert to your next festive event. The Cranberry Poke Cake captures the joy of holiday baking. It’s fun to make, tasty to eat, and brings everyone together. Try it out and make it a new tradition in your home.